I absolutely hate Europeans sun-care products. When i was using only european sun-care products , it created this sunblock phobia , and made me dread putting on sunblock.

It was due to it’s greasy, oily, uncomfortable texture that i absolutely loathe. From La Roche Posay, to Avene, to Bioderma etc – i never really liked a single one – and even those sunscreen which claims to be made for ‘oily combination’ skin were so greasy and uncomfortable to wear.

Korean sun-care products are definitely one of the best around – and those who are raving over the European and American sunscreens won’t know what’s the gold standards of sunscreens until they’ve tried sunscreens from the OHUI or HERA sun line.

We took such a long time compiling all these information, so hope you will find it helpful !

1. Hera Sun Mate Daily SPF 35 헤라 선 메이트 데일리

This is the most famous product off the Sun Mate line and has won countless awards like the OHUI’s Sun Powder.

In addition this line also Cloud Berry Extracts which are rich in Vitamin A and C, Candle Bush Extracts which is a flavonoid and a strong anti-oxidant. It also contains a patented ingredient called Aepsel, which regenerates damaged skin by the UV rays. Last but not least it contains a special elastic powder which helps in sebum control and improve skin tone.

5. HERA Sun Mate Powder SPF 40 헤라 선 메이트 파우더

This sunblock powder is chemical sunscreen free and has a protection of SPF 40 , PA +++.

Helps in absorbing excess sebum.

6. HERA Sun Mate Pact SPF 50 헤라 선 메이트 팩트

This pact contains fine powder which has a light scattering effect to make the skin look smooth and even , and making imperfections such as pores and wrinkles less obvious. It is a combination of soft pearl yellow and pink colour to give your face a glow.

In addition, it contains the Pore Control powder which helps absorb excess sebum and keeps it under control.

Contains a special type of powder called the Gomilchak Mineral Powder which is four times thinner and lighter than conventional normal powder. Due to it’s size and weight, it is able to block UV Rays more effectively, and can be applied uniformly on the skin. The powder inserts itself between pores to provide your skin a smooth even tone, and helps refracts light, producing a shimmering effect on your pores, making it less obvious and in addition, it illuminates your skin.

7. HERA Sun Mate Wrinkle Corrector 헤라 선 메이트 링클 코렉터

This is a multi functional product which acts as a sunblock as well as a wrinkle filler.

It has a brush – applicator which makes it unique from the other products off the Sun Mate line.

Two of Korea’s largest Cosmetics company have always been head-on competition with each other.

Let’s go through the rundown on both companies.

Amore Pacific Inc.(formerly PACIFIC, or Tai Pyung Yang) was a small family cosmetic business until September 9, 1945 when it adopted the name ‘PACIFIC’ and became a full fledged company. In the 1970’s, PACIFIC branched out into the tea business, growing into a company symbolizing both beauty and health.

Amore Pacific has been a manufacturer and purveyor of cosmetics since the 1930s. The 1960s saw AMORE PACIFIC become fully established. In 1963, the company sent beauty consultants to shops where Amore Pacific products were sold to train their employees and to learn first hand about the needs of customers. Door-to-door sales effort was also introduced after the launching of the Amore brand in 1964.

LG H&Hwas found in 1947, South Korea LG Group founded in 1947, LG Household & Health Care was the first company in Korea to produce and sell toothpaste, synthetic detergents, and other household supplies and products. In 1959, LG Electronics created the beginnings of Korea’s electronics industry by developing the nation’s first radio. Only in 1984, LG Corporation expanded into the cosmetics business, and is now developing as a world-class manufacturer of household and health care products.

It was established in 1947 as LUCKY Chemical Industrial Co and began production of the LUCKY Facial Cream . In 1950 , the company set up the first Cosmetics Research Laboratory. The company produced toothpaste, soap, detergent in the 1960s and released their first cosmetic line DEBON in 1983.

In 1995, LG Cosmetics established a joint venture company in China and changed it’s name to LG Chemical Ltd.

Round 1 : Sulwhasoo VS History Of Whoo

Sulwhasoo’s ( the name of Amore Pacific’s founder : Sung Hwan Suh – coincidence? ) history dates back to 1960s though the brand Sulwhasoo was only introduced in 1987 as ‘Sulwha’. Every researcher in Amore Pacific R&D Centre thoroughly examined as many books from Korea, China and Japan as they could find and listed around 500 oriental herbal ingredients that are helpful to the skin. Then, they eliminated the ones with strong smells, intense colors, or ones that degrades easily, and used the remaining herbs to launch SULWHA in 1987, and eventually Sulwhasoo in 1997.

In 2009, Sulwhasoo went through it’s second advancement. They introduced a new packaging design and reinforced the formula of its products containing more fresh and fermented medicinal plants.

The brand revolves around their ‘star’ ingredient called the Jaeumdan – a unique and original formula that supplements the energy and keeps the skin refined and beautiful.

Jaeumdan is Sulwhasoo’s original mixture of five oriental plants -Paeonia Albiflora, Nelumbo Nucifera seed, Polygonatum Officinale, Lilium Tigrinum and Rehmannia Glutinosa- representing the Five Elements. The new 2009 Jaeumdan applied the principle of mixture of the fresh and the fermented for better effects.

The root of Paeonia Albiflora dried under sunlight fills up the Yin in the liver and contains tannin and Paeoniflorin for tranquility and anti-inflam mation. According to Donguibogam, Paeonia Albiflora is known to stimulate blood circulation, comfort the internal organs, and treat every illness of women.

The matured seed of Nelumbo Nucifera enhances energy and treats fever. Fills up the Yin in the mind and smoothes skin through moisturization and blood circulation. Replenishes blood circulation to revive the face tone.

The root of Rehmannia Glutinosa is the essence of the five internal organs, energy and blood circulation, and balance of Yin and Yang in human body. It manages fluid circulation and has an outstanding moisturizing effect. It is also helpful for pigmentation or dullness caused by aging and relieves thirst caused by fever.

Launched only in 2003 to grab Sulwhasoo’s dominance on the Korean herbal cosmetics share, Whoo is a modern interpretation of the royal court secrets. It’s logo – 后 – a Chinese character which translates to ‘empress’ in English, it based on beauty secrets and prescription handed down from Ancient China’s Imperial Royal Family.

Therefore, the History Of Whoo is a combination of prescriptions from Ancient China and the Korean Technology. Like Sulwhasoo’s ‘Star’ ingredient –Jaeumdan , Whoo also has it’s own called Gongjindan a well known treasured skin perfecting formula created for emperors and empresses in ancient China.

Gongjindan contains many functional herbal ingredients which has properties such as anti-oxidants, anti aging, anti-fatigue, neurotransmitters and immune agents. ‘Dong-Eui-Bo-Gam (Korea’s medical book) describes ‘Gong-Jin-Dan’ as follows: “If a man is sickly even after growing up, he is constitutionally weak. In such a case, body fluids should be increased but body heat should be cooled down. Other medicines are inefficacious against it, but this medicine is effective to harmonize internal organs with each other and to prevent various diseases.”

Prescribed for the first time by wiyeokrim in China’s Yuan Dynasty, Gongshindan was recorded in seuideukhyobang (old Chinese medical book). It has been widely used for diseases associated with convalescent weakness and liver function deterioration.

– “Shin” of “Gongsin” represents Polaris, the center of the northern sky; it means having the effect of improving the vigor, which is central to human life. It was called Gongshindan or Gongjindan. – Record of Gongshindan in Donguibogam "Intake of Gongshindan reinforces vigor, improves kidney function, and decreases heart burn and protects against diseases.”

Round 2 : IOPE VS OHUI

Both focuses more on the ‘western’ and modern cosmetic aspect and technology , and ‘cell’ science. OHUI is exceptional in the Stem Cells department.

Round 3 : Hanule/Hanyul VS Sooryehan

If Sulwhasoo and History are for Queens, Hannule ( Amore ) and Sooryehan ( LG ) are for princesses. Aimed at a younger age group, both brands also focuses on chinese/korean medicine.

Round 4 : HERA VS ISA KNOX

HERA is more well known for their make up products while ISA KNOX is a pioneer in the skincare section. Isa Knox is also one of LG’s earliest brands that exist to this day. Both brands have an elder age group focus. Isa Knox’s spokesperson, Lee Hyori, is Korea’s most famous female singer ever and they even managed to rope in Hollywood Jessica Alba as a spokesperson.

Round 5 : ETUDE HOUSE VS LACVERT

Both are brands that cater to young girls. Etude House has more selection when it comes to make-up. Both uses famous idols.

Round 6 : Primera VS Belif

Both brands are based on the naturalism, organic and natural concept.

Round 7 : Innisfree/Mamonde VS The Face Shop

Here you have 3 brands that are also catered to teenagers to young adults. Innisfree also claims to be an all natural brand and both brand uses the most famous Korean teen idols today. These 3 brands are also lower-end brands.

Round 8 : Mirepa VS Vonin

Both are brands for men though Vonin is a lot more famous than Amore’s Mirepa. I personally love both the male spokesperson for these two brands. Hehe..

Round 9 : Hyosia VS Su:m 37

Both brands are based on fermentation science. Have

not managed to get any information regarding Hyo Sia, but LG has done a stellar job on Su-m 37’s marketing as it has managed to become a famous brand in such a short span of time and Amore’s Hyosia is still… unknown.

Round 9 : Ryoe VS Re-En

Amore’s Ryoe and LG’s ReEn are battling it out too for the personal care market. Both brands are herbal oriental hair care!

Apply a thin layer under the eyes before or after using makeup base/foundation and gently pat to finish.

Carry with you and use over makeup during the day for instant brightening and for whitening, anti-wrinkle, and UV protection

This has grown so much on us that we can’t live without it anymore. It brightens up the eye area and it has a SPF 35 to top it off ! We’d definitely repurchase in a heartbeat!

2) HERA Sun Mate Daily SPF 35 PA ++

It protects skin exposed to UV rays in daily lives, and a formula applied with the Dermo-network Protection system provides the skin with complete protection from harmful elements generated by indoor as well as outdoor activities. The high molecular emulsification system independently developed by HERA offers a refreshing feel and smooth adherence of sun mate daily. This sunblock cream for everyday use also serves as a makeup base to save some time in the busy morning.

One of the reasons why we don’t use European sunblocks – sticky, greasy, and just plain uncomfortable to use!

Korean cosmetic brands produce the best sunscreens ever! HERA Sun Mate Daily SPF 35 PA +++ absorbs quickly, and the best thing is that it isn’t greasy at all. It brightens up the skin instantly too and doesn’t leave a white cast on the face.

3) History Of Whoo Whitening Sun Cream SPF 45

History Of Whoo Whitening Sun Cream is also a clear winner. It isn’t greasy, absorbs easily, and brightens up the skin immediately. It has a light pink tone to it which we absolutely love! It also contains all the beneficial herbal ingredients that helps in whitening. Slightly more moisturizing than the HERA Sun Mate SPF 35!

Join Us On Facebook!

HOPE! Yourself Up By Subscribing To HopeInABlog's Updates

Enter your email address to subscribe to Hope In A Blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 58 other followers

Contact Us!

For any questions, rants, comments, or even if you're just feeling bored, drop us an email at hopeinablog@gmail.com

For companies who are interested in sending in their products for us to review , and who would like to work with us for retail services, please contact us at : hopeinablog@gmail.com

Readers who don't have a personal blog and too lazy to create one, but who wants to share their personal review on products to share with other beauty-lovers are also welcome to submit your reviews at hopeinablog@gmail.com.

Also, those of you who would like to share Gmarket Deals or Coupons with other readers are also welcome to submit their tips to us at hopeinablog@gmail.com

After the famous Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Cream, it took quite some time for them to release the new Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Essential Oil 연섬바디에센스. Even the History Of Whoo released their Wild Ginseng Ampoule Oil. Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Essential Oil contains authentic ginseng seed oil which delivers nutrient rich […]

Tony Moly will be introducing yet another new Floria line. With the huge success of the original Floria line, Tony Moly introduced the Floria Whitening line and the Floria Pore Tightening line and now to carry on with the success – the Tony Moly Floria Nutra Energy line for the upcoming dry […]

Amore Pacific’s cosmoceutical brand, Pacific Pharma, will be introducing another new product called the Pacific Pharma TherACNE Soothing Moisturizer 테라크네 수딩 모이스처라이저 ( we also reported about their other product : here ) Pacific Pharma signed a research collaboration with BioChemis, a company “enhancing drug delivery through biophysical modulation. BioCh […]

Amore Pacific’s Lirikos is a french inspired marine-based brand ( Lirikos is Korea’s LA MER? ). Lirikos is a prestigious maritime-themed brand originally from France.Its ingredients and essence are derived from the seas, filling Lirikos products with clean freshness and an alluring mystery. The very essence and value of Lirikos is their accumulated […] […]

Holika Holika will be releasing a Prague-based skincare line called the Holika Holika Praha Blossom line 홀리카홀리카 프라하 블라썸 . If you don’t know Praha = Prague, one of my favourite cities in Europe. The line was inspired by the flowers that can be found in the markets of Prague. The line […]

Just found received this fabulous news…. The Saem is now available on Gmarket ! Wooohoo, another fantastic brand available and it’s on sale on, so if you’ve been dying to try the Saem products, click here. Time to try the V10 Gem Essence, the Dr. Beauty ( Snail + Snake Venom ) […]

LG’s Su:m 37 will be releasing a new serum called the Sum 37 A-Time Essence 숨37 A-time 에센스. The concept of this essence is like a mist. Instead of using mist to freshen up, you can use the Sum 37 A-Time Essence which can be used Anytime, Anywhere and Always […]

Holika Holika will be releasing two new creams called the Holika Holika Water March Moisture Full Cream 워터 마치 모이스처 풀 크림 which features Himalayan berries. Himalayan Raspberry Extract revitalizes aging skin by regulating cellular turnover and is anti-inflammatory. It also provides intensive hydration to the skin. The creams […] […]

IPKN has just launched a new product called the IPKN New York Wonder Primer 히알루론산 원더 프라이머. The hyaluronic acid primer uses a hyaluronic acid polymer which has a flexible 3D network structure which keeps your skin smooth. The primer keeps your skin matt, helps shrink pores, and control sebum excretion […]